Public hearing on Sky High Studios to be held Jan. 13

Marlborough – A special permit application on behalf of Sandra and Anthony Antico Real Estate and Sky High Studios has been scheduled to be addressed at a public hearing during ?the Jan. 13 City Council meeting to consider allowing use of the property at 289 Elm St. for an open commercial recreation establishment.

Lauren Forrest opened Sky High Studios, Inc. , a dance studio specializing in Pole Fitness and Aerial Silks, in August. But she was forced to shut down in October after city officials told her she did not have all of the necessary permits to operate the business at that location.

Part of the problem, she believes, is that pole fitness has a stigma attached to it due to its association with strip clubs. Forrest is insistent that the focus of her classes is not on stripping but rather fitness and empowering women. ?To support her claims, she has collected dozens of testimonials from her clients and supporters offering their thoughts on how the discipline has helped to improve their lives physically, mentally and emotionally.

Her original hearing before the City Council was to have been held Dec. 16; that was then postponed to Monday, Jan. 13.

Forrest said she suspended her operation in Marlborough immediately after notification and opened a temporary studio in Sudbury.

“[I did this] so that my clients did not have to stop their regular fitness routine. We all miss my Elm Street location and are looking forward to returning soon,” she said.

She has an online petition that Marlborough residents can sign electronically on her website at www.skyhighstudios.net/support.? Antico Realty and Forrest are represented by Attorney Arthur Bergeron of Mirick O”Connell, Attorneys at Law.